Henry Melton, the former Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman, is fighting for his life.
At just 38 years old, Melton is recovering from a major heart surgery after doctors discovered a serious condition that nearly turned fatal. Just as he begins the long road to recovery, Melton is also grieving the loss of his mother, Cinithia Melton, who passed away earlier this week.
A fourth-round pick by the Chicago Bears in 2009, Melton played for the Cowboys during the 2014 season and was a key contributor on a playoff-bound team. But now, his days aren’t measured in tackles or sacks but in steps toward recovery. Longtime Cowboys reporter Clarence Hill Jr. shared the heartbreaking news on social media, urging fans to pray for Melton.
“Please put former Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Henry Melton in your prayers,” Hill wrote on X. “He is still recovering from a near fatal heart issue that required major surgery… now he has to deal with the loss of his mother.”
Close Call And A Lifelong Battle
Back in February, Melton suffered a sudden and terrifying medical emergency. According to a GoFundMe page created by his family, Melton lost feeling in his legs without warning. His daughter, Pey, acted quickly and called 911. Paramedics rushed him to Northwestern Hospital in Chicago, where doctors diagnosed him with an aortic dissection- a tear in the major blood vessels branching from his heart. He underwent emergency open-heart surgery with just a 50/50 chance of survival.
The surgery saved his life, but the journey since hasn’t been easy. Melton spent three weeks in the ICU and now faces a future filled with ongoing medical care and physical recovery. Despite the severity of his condition, the GoFundMe notes that Melton is gradually getting back on his feet.
Melton’s NFL career spanned seven seasons, beginning with the Bears and stints with the Cowboys, Buccaneers, and Broncos. His standout season came in 2012 with Chicago, when he earned Pro Bowl honors. In his lone season with Dallas, he notched five sacks and helped the team capture the NFC East title.
As Melton fights through this challenging chapter, the football community is rallying behind him. Fans, former teammates, and reporters are offering support, not just for the medical battle but also for the emotional toll of losing his mother. For now, recovery remains his biggest challenge, but he’s not walking it alone.
